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Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Hey guys, just to clear up any confusion, I have retired from filming porn. Austin is still filming and the new owners will carry the site into the next evolution. Yes, you can still enjoy all of our previously filmed Austin and Zane scenes.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Former gay-for-pay porn performer, Zane Michaels and his former partner, Austin Andrews, created an award-winning porn website that took the industry by storm. The chemistry that the two of them created together on screen was unmatched by any other performers and led most to question how “straight” these guys actually were. While many believed they were real-life lovers, their off-camera life was a lot more turbulent. ‘Shame and Fortune’ is an intimate look into the real lives of these two former best friends and how working in the porn industry affected them and details the rise and eventual fall of Austin & Zane.

The two of them met while working for a different porn company and quickly became close friends. When their boss of that other company began trying to use his power to have his way with the guys, they started a plan that would eventually run him out of business. Without having any knowledge of how to build or operate a website and being two straight guys trying to start a gay porn company, it was an uphill battle from the very beginning. As the industry began to take notice, the duo beat the odds and not only won Best Content Site, but were also voted by the fans to Co-Host the award show!

The pressures of the industry would take it’s toll on the duo and their friendship started to deteriorate. The two were great at painting a pretty picture in front of the camera but they could only fake it for so long. At summer’s end, the guys sold off their company and went their separate ways. Zane felt that it was important to share his story with the thousands of fans that have supported them along the way. ‘Shame and Fortune’ will take you on their journey from the very beginning right through to the bitter end.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Indeed..it's one of the reasons I am not willing to give up money for most porn sites anymore. Austin and Zane owened it to their customers to give them a heads but instead simply took the money and left the customers in the dust.
I'll wish them well but I'm glad I didn't give them money. As for AD,ever since he got busted in NC and moved,it slowly started to go downhill.
Dynk's response to the Axel case and crappy updates have further made many loyal customers leave. I do think his site will be in done in a year or two.

And I'll pass on the book. I've had friendships end badly but I will still never put the reasons why out there for the whole world to see.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Well, Zane certainly incorporated the end of AustinZane.com into his book awfully quickly. Just a week or so ago he was saying the book would be available digitally on October 11. I guess some quick rewriting of the ending?

As to the last paragraph above, probably a better way of showing appreciation to their fans who supported them would be to not leave them hanging with a subscription that isn't worth anything. Since Austin posted an update today, maybe he's going to try to pull it off a while longer. But I imagine they won't have any subscribers left after another few days.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Originally Posted by TallOneCA

Well this is sad news. But, first and foremost this is a business. This is the frustrating part about supporting porn businesses. Loyal paying customers are treated like crap. Austin posts these "personal" messages on social sites, yet paying customers are left in the cold about the future of the site; fearing that we won't get the content that was promised and that has been paid for. I appreciate that Austine had fun, met a lot great people, but times like this call for professionalism. The people that financially supported him/them/the business are owed more than "the site was sold." Austin and/or Zane have a duty to their customers to be honest about the future of AustineZane.

The way this went down is really no different than SCM -- which is tragic. Partnerships (and doing business with friends) is very difficult and often don't survive. These guys had a great run, but I bet maturity, personal conflicts, and other stuff took prescedence over business integrity.

Unfortunately, I'm guessing the next business to go bust is Active Duty. Very similar red flags...

^^ valid points. Given that this happened in the last few days, I'm hopeful that the current az owners will make a statement about their future and not just ignore the issue. At this point they may very well be unsure about where they want to head the business. As various "gay porn press" sites start to report on the change, I'm assuming that there will be pressure to say something. One thing that I've been impressed with is that so far there has not been any finger pointing by the two original principals in the business. (It will be interesting to see what's in Zane's book, due out next month.)

The other complicating factor, imo, is that Zane always appeared to be the voice of az, in blogs, social networks, etc. Someone in the az biz will have to assume at least part of that role if they want to continue with the same style of web site. az got a lot of support early on from customers, including myself, by being up front (and communicating) about what was going on. Chosing "lockdown" at this point, would be a major loss of customer goodwill.

As others have said it was the synergy and chemistry between Austin and Zane that was a major strength of the web site. I rewatched the Austin and Brett video from last week with the banter in the beginning. (Austin talks about his recent move - which should have been foretelling.) Although a good start, Zane's absence in the conversation was palatable. Austin comes off as almost babbling and Brett is kind of "what are you talking about". It wasn't bad, but it was kind of like watching Desi Arnaz without Lucy. Austin & Co may choose to take the web site in a different direction, but if they wants to maintain the style of the past, they will need to find someone that can play off Austin like Zane did, at least in front of the camera. Likewise, sexually, Zane liked to kiss, which gave their scenes a sweet bf feel.

Two years ago, as a startup, a&z had decent name recognition as models, but assumed the rest as their own risk. They created a product that was rather unique. Today, there is a working business, with assets including equipment, reoccuring income, affiliates, customers, and goodwill. The onus is on Austin and Co to decide if there is an act two to az, or whether this will be a slow (or not slow) death march.

Update#1: "Where in the world is Zane Michaels?": Six hours ago, Zane tweeted taht he was starting his 2000 mile trip home. Assuming that he takes the northern route, he should be pulling into Salt Lake City this evening.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

I think there is still a little misunderstanding, let me try again. I have retired from filming but the site is still functioning and open for business. The site is in good hands now and will be fine without me there. I have been writing my book over the past 3 years and I finished it in August. It is an in depth look at the challenges we faced being 2 straight guys creating a gay porn website. It is not a trash piece, it is more of my autobiography and how being in this industry has affected many areas of my life. I have always cared strongly about Austin and he has known all along that I have been writing this book. It is unfortunate that our friendship is not as it was before but know matter what has happened, I will always hold a special place in my heart for Austin and the site. Please do not quit checking out the site because I have retired, I'm sure AZ and GISP will have an amazing run without me. I am a little emotional over my departure because it has been my baby for so long and it was tough to let go of even though I know it is the best thing for me (and the site) right now and I'm excited to see AZ evolve into everything I ever dreamed of and more! Businesses go thru management changes all the time and I have complete faith in the future of the site

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Hey guys I just talked to Zane (he is driving through Utah right now) he wanted me to let everyone know AustinZane is still in great hands and will make a strong comeback. He is trying to put a response here but his new JUB account is awaiting moderation. Also to just to clear up any confusion Austin is still filming with AustinZane.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Originally Posted by Ninja108

Indeed..it's one of the reasons I am not willing to give up money for most porn sites anymore. Austin and Zane owened it to their customers to give them a heads but instead simply took the money and left the customers in the dust.
I'll wish them well but I'm glad I didn't give them money.

And I'll pass on the book. I've had friendships end badly but I will still never put the reasons why out there for the whole world to see.

Please understand there is always more to the store than just what appears on the surface. Also the book was in the works since prior to the launch of the site. I am not sure but I don't believe it covers recent events. If I am not mistaken the book would end with or shortly after Grabby weekend which was back in May.

*edit* this was meant for my post above but I see Zane did get his post to go through here. He wasn't sure it did and asked me to post for him as he literally is driving across country.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Thanks PM... Sorry guys for the confusion. Over the past 4 years, I grew closer to Austin than my own family. I am blessed to have been able to have him in my life, I freaking love that kid and I wish him the best with all of his future endeavors. I have horrible separation anxiety which stems fr losing a best friend to a drunk driver in 07 so the thought of losing close friends is really tough for me, especially if my actions are responsible for it. Sure thrre were mistskes made along the way but There are no fingers to point and I am sure if we could go back and change a few things we would. You live and you learn. We have placed the site in the hands of people who I am more than confident in that they will be capable of making it bigger and better than ever. For me, I need to go back home to detach and reset myself, my emotions were getting in the way. I don't plan on coming back to porn but weirder things have happened. This drive has been pretty therapeutic so far and I'm feeling a lot better than the first few hours of the drive. Sad, yes- but not the end of anything, just a lot of new beginnings.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Originally Posted by OwenMeany

Well, Zane certainly incorporated the end of AustinZane.com into his book awfully quickly. Just a week or so ago he was saying the book would be available digitally on October 11. I guess some quick rewriting of the ending?

A good point.

I was one of the many people who would watch an AZ scene (particularly the scene in the kitchen, or the "Valentine's Day" scene) and think, no, they can't just be two straight guys performing for the camera. Without Zane, the site loss one of its major drawcards. I doubt it'll be the same. I adored watching scenes with Zane, he was such a great performer, so sweet (and he bottomed like a champ). And the moments between him and Austin were scorching.

You can't help but wonder what tumultuous events went on, behind-the-scenes, that led to it all falling apart. I know we'll have the book (a tell-all book. Porn's gotten so high-brow these days ). But that'll only be half the story, you know?

Still, it'll be a shame to see Zane go. But at least we do have their body of work. They occupy a strong place in my "go-to" scenes, I know that much.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

So before leaving the industry entirely, Zane did at least one scene outside of az for m e n. c o m. According to MOP it is a "gay dating game" and will be released this Friday. In addition to Zane it also includes Robert Axel, Tommy Defendi, Tony Newport, and Rocco Reed. It looks cute.

Zane as one of the contestants

Tony Newport - another x-az model who is doing quite well these days

the setup (after Tony asks if he can keep all of them, including the cameraman)

Tony sucks Zane

Zane fucks Tony

It will be interesting to see if this is an indication of who bought az. (I'd link to the article on MOP but j.u.b. censors links to web sites that they consider competition.)

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

So I know a few folks were speculating on what may or may not be in the book.... There are some excerpts available now at http://shameandfortunebook.com and there is also a really cool trailer on youtube

I've been looking forward to this book easily over a year so I know it will be a good one... the trailer and the excerpts imo shows you how deep this book will be.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

It's not a good sign that they appear to have shut off the comments on the site or are heavily moderating them. And unless I am totally missing it, still no mention on the site of his leaving, which I assume is why the comments are essentially turned off.
Zane was the main reason I joined and stuck with the site from its inception. I like Austin as well, but not enough to maintain an ongoing membership and I used to love Bret, but with every new tattoo he just looks worse and worse. Bret also used to be very lively with a fun personality so I could look past the excessive ink, now it seems like he has to work up an effort to even say anything.
Zane gave the site its personality and always served well as its communicator. I cancelled my membership and will take a wait and see approach. The first video posted since this "announcement" is not a promising for the future.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Whoever bought the site is already ruining it. The newest update is a huge "WTF". How did they go from being a site that featured college aged men to daddies such as Mitch Vaughn? The site was a breath of fresh air for porn and now it looks like it is going in a very different direction and using the same over used models, not to mention those that this site was not meant to feature. The members it seems will be leaving in droves. So Sad it had a great concept and now seems ruined.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

partially off topic

I have to thank a couple of jub posters (LuvFindsAndyHardy and Phunk) for pointing me to the best video I watched this weekend. After spending $10 to purchase a couple of so-so porn videos (cfs), I spent $10 on iTunes to watch “The Women” (1939) – of Jungle Red fame. It was excellent (better than "Aiden & Chandler under the sheets").

Although sometimes I think some of us feel like little Mary in “The Austin Zane Story,” it remains to be seen how much, if any, similarity there is between az’s story and “The Women”. Zane’s book should help answer some of these questions. At least a lot of the action happened in the right state if not the right city (LV, not Reno). Substituting an all male cast for an all female cast works. And some of the dialog seems appropriate for a gay porn studio. I can’t even decide who to cast as Mrs. Steven Haines, let alone what role Chi-Chi should have.

There are several good clips from this film on YouTube as well as the original trailer. Don’t confuse the 1939 original with the 2008 remake, which was largely panned by reviewers and film-watchers.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

"The Women" usually tops the list of the gayest movies ever made, finishing even before Baby Jane. There are no men in it -- not even the dogs ("there's a word for ladies like you . . ."). That opening montage in the 5th Ave Salon (or what would today be called a 'day spa') is brilliant! Also the technicolor fashion show interlude (fyi Adrian was apparently very straight). It's a miracle that movie made at the height of the Hayes Code got away with Joan's famous last 'kennel' line.

I've seen little clips of the 2008 remake with Meg Ryan in the Norma Sheerer role. Don't bother. Too painful.

Bringing this back-to-topic, who in the Austin Zane stable would play the Rosalind Russell role? It really is her movie.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

So Shame and Fortune is avail now.

I'm only about a third of the way in and even with an idea of some of the stuff that would be in it I am blown away by some of the stories in it so far. I will give the heads up that names were changed for the book. I know there has been speculation about Austin and Zanes friendship, the former website and the current one. I can't say this will answer 100% of the questions out there but I do think this will shed light on some things that previously were not obvious to the public at large. I'm thinking of starting a seperate thread for Zane & book discussion (I would guess it would still be in the porn section or should it go somewhere else?). Wondering anyone else reading it or at least planning on it?

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Sure I was wondering should it still go into the porn section? Anyone know? On a side note I finished the book and while there were things I already knew in it there were a ton of things I had no clue on. Its sad really I do wish the new owners well with the site and even Austin assuming he continues on as a performer but even I have to say I am shocked at the lack of communication coming from anyone over there. I am really trying to figure out if I am cancelling my membership in the next day or two before it renews. At this rate it really is turning into the old SCM.

The above post is totally my opinion and while in the past I have made a post here or there on behalf of Zane this post in no way reflects his beliefs... just want to get that out there in case anyone reading this had any questions about that.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Do as you wish about a new thread, but my suggestion would be to let the discussion continue in this thread. This thread was created because all of us were interested in Austin and Zane and the web site that they were developing and marketing. Zane's book is the story of that partnership. The partnership of Austin and Zane has now ended. Keeping the book discussion with this thread keeps the story in one place on jub.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

There's so much hype and myth around AZ, it's becoming ridiculous, and comparing it to The Women is about the gayest point of view I can think of. What is it that makes them so special in comparison to the dozens and dozens of other guys in porn that came before them and are following suit?

AZ had potential but I think they made the mistake of making porn - at the time - their priority, which can take its toll on young, impressionable men over a lengthy period of time. Even professional porn "stars" with 20 years of experience have always had a day job that has kept them from losing grip of reality.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

So I decided to sit down and read Zane's book "Shame and Fortune". It's less than 200 pages so I was able to get through it pretty quickly. While Zane used his own names (porn and given) throughout the book, he made a somewhat thoughtful attempt to rename others in order to protect their privacy. I say somewhat because there are occasions where several mistakes were made and the actual persons were identified. I'm guessing Zane didn't have an editor for this book as there are loads of errors throughout it.

The ending was a jumbled confusing mess. But the rest of the book was interesting.

QUALIFIER: There are 7 billion humans on planet Earth and with them comes 7 billion opinions. Mine is just one.

I strongly dislike GAY FOR PAY porn stars. I am one of those gay guys with disposable income and none of my money would ever go to the likes of Cody Cummings. Never. Our biggest sexual organ is our brain. The only thing that separates a gay guy from a straight guy is how we view or see a gay guy versus a straight guy. What value or price tag do we assign to a straight guy that we don't to a gay guy? In 2012 gay men are every bit as macho as straight men. Alex Marte, John Magnum, Adam Killian, Kurt Rogers, Peto Coast, Ace Rockwood, Matthew Rush. The list goes on and on.

Today the only difference you will notice between a GAY FOR PAY porn star versus a GAY porn star is "how your mind views each one of them". It all boils down to how we as gay men view being gay.

I like Zane Michaels. He was the main (and only) reason I joined AustinZane in the first place. I never read anything on the site or participated in chats with the guys. I only logged in when there was a new scene between Zane and Austin. If they were in a duo scene, I wanted the video. If the video was a threesome or solo or Zane with someone else or Austin with someone else, I didn't even bother watching it. For me it was all about the chemistry between Zane and Austin.

So the biggest shock for me in "Shame and Fortune" was the fact that they were straight. When I read the first page and saw "As a straight guy. . .", I did a double take. WTF? I was completely floored. Completely.

Austin and Zane are some of the best actors in the world period - Maybe? Whenever I watched their scenes I was so turned on by the fact that they were turned on by each other. I remember one scene where Zane was making breakfast for Austin. They were touching each other, kissing each other, rubbing each other, licking each other. While Zane was standing at the stove making eggs, Austin squatted down and stuck his tongue in Zane's ass. Austin also protected Zane during this scene. When they started fooling around, Austin moved Zane's body away from the stove to ensure Zane didn't get burned. Either they were really into each other or again their acting is off the fucking charts.

In other scenes I also watch erections. It took nothing for Zane to become erect when Austin touches him. I would look for this during uninterrupted scenes where Zane went from flaccid to erect with no scene cuts, splices or edits. Their scenes were hot - especially when no one else was in the room with them.

And I also believe that Zane meant something to Austin. Austin has a child named after Zane (Zane's actual middle name I believe). Who does that? It is no reason the baby's mother had "issues" with Zane. These guys pack a LOT of chemistry between each other. I always assumed that Zane was gay.

After finishing the book I still believe Zane is closer to 6 on the Kinsey scale relative to Austin. It's evident in the book that Austin can become CONSUMED with his girlfriends. I didn't get that sense with Zane and his female consorts. Throughout the book, I got the impression that if Austin ever came up to Zane and told him let's run away together and sell bananas on a tropical island, Zane would already have a bag packed ready in the hall closet.

I believe Austin was conflicted. He loved Zane but he also really enjoyed the company of females to great peril it seemed. His girlfriends wanted unconditional 100% devotion. And for each of them it seemed the ultimate test of that love was to ensure that Austin abandoned Zane in deference to her. And it seemed Zane was looking for the same thing as well. Zane's love for Austin was big enough to allow Austin to have girlfriends but there seemed to be this unspoken mantra of "Bros before Hos" which really equated into me (Zane) before her (insert Austin's femme du jour here). You really never sensed this type of conflict when Zane had a girlfriend. Austin wasn't as bothered. There were never any conflicts between Zane's girlfriends (when he had them) and Austin.

Another thing about this digital book is the fact of what is missing from the pages. Zane never really talks about the sex between him and Austin. He writes about starting and completing scenes. He shares the logistics of the scenes but nothing else. He never speaks of their sexual chemistry. And the reader is also left with the biggest question of all: have the two ever been intimate with each other off camera within the past 5 or so years that they have known each other? The honesty behind that question would be quite telling. Separately they are two interesting guys. But together they are a beautiful display of fireworks.

All of this is somewhat tragic really. In a perfect world, Austin and Zane would be a couple both on and off screen. They would care for each other and love each other immensely, traveling the world, connecting with people all over and building a life full of memories, adventures and strong bonds. But that isn't gonna happen now.

Zane is going to return back home and initially might try to build a relationship with Jacey or Brianna or some other girl that he might think fulfills the void of an absent Austin but I'm guessing no one will replace that void. BUT I DO WISH HIM WELL.

Austin's future is unknown at the moment. I do see another baby on the horizon at some point. And that website isn't going to last. Trust me. I have cancelled my membership. That site was all about Zane and Austin and if Zane isn't returning, my guess is several members will not as well. Only time will tell. The latest scenes added are key indicators. None of the guys are memorable with the exception of the ubiquitous and likable Mitch Vaughn. BUT I DO WISH AUSTIN WELL.

There is a LOT of dysfunction in this book. But they are real guys trying to build solid and stable lives for themselves. I think they are misguided about the ramifications of what it means to be gay. . . . just like many of us may be who fork out money for GAY FOR PAY porn stars.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Thanks for reading my book and I enjoyed how thorough your analysis is Yes, if you bought the digital version off of Amazon, you did indeed receive an early, unedited version and should be receiving the revised and extended version by weekends end (for free). To answer your question, We have never messed around off camera- I didn't include that in the book because I didn't want the book to come across as this macho see-look-how-straight-we-are story that many gay-for-payers promote religiously. I wanted it to be an honest, open look at the dynamic and the struggles that came along with the situation we were in. I didn't speak a whole lot about the chemistry because to be honest, I wrote the book over the past three years and was too busy running a company that it didnt really sink in that our scenes were that amazing. It wasn't until I started finishing the book that I actually began looking back and figuring a lot of things out. As for your bananas and tropical island theory, maybe my bags are already packed, but I would have to think twice from now on and look past the facade. I'm an eternal optimist and would love nothing more than to be friends with Austin again but I don't really think that's going to happen... There's a lot of pain there but regardless of how things went and are, I'll always have a lot of love for that kid and I wish him well in whatever he does.

-Zane

P.S. thanks to all of you that have read my book. 'Shame and Fortune' debuted at #14 on Amazon right behind a book that was written by Justin Beiber's mom- how awesome is that!?!

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Hi Spiff,

I honestly did not know they worked for SCM. When I was reading the book I actually had to stop and go online to research where they were before AustinZane appeared. And when I did a Google search, Just Us Boys answered the question (some post here). I made a mental note to join Just Us Boys after I finished reading the book just because of the assistance. You will see that my post above was my first here. So I had no idea. But that answer and Zane's book did explain why Austin and Zane kept talking about the use of balloons in their first video. When I first saw their 1 year anniversary video, I kept wondering why they linked balloons to their 1st ever scene together. And then I finally got it.

The only person I knew from SCM was a guy named Dean who had an amazing ass. But when I learned he too was GAY FOR PAY I lost interest. He still has a nice ass but so does Adam Killian and John Magnum so I send my money over to Lucas Entertainment or other gay studios. Makes me feel better. Not saying everyone has to do that - just my preference.

I will miss the chemistry between Zane and Austin. I think most will. Their scenes together were really really hot. I don't know how Austin is going to find a Zane replacement. Zane is the only reason I joined in the first place. I liked his butt, his smile and his personality. So finding a Zane replacement will be tough. But I'm sure Austin and/or the new owners will try.

Re: AustinZane.com UPDATE

Hey guys, Zane here. I will be loading up a truck/trailer with supplies and construction equipment and heading to NYC/NJ to assist with the cleanup efforts for the next few weeks. If you have ANYTHING you can donate to the cause, please private message me for details and I can pick them up on the way. Thanks guys!